A false tale or report maliciously uttered, tending to injure the reputation of another; the malicious utterance of defamatory reports; the dissemination of malicious tales or suggestions to the injury of another.(noun)
source: webster1913
verb (v)
charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone(verb.communication)
To defame; to injure by maliciously uttering a false report; to tarnish or impair the reputation of by false tales maliciously told or propagated; to calumniate.(verb)